We hope you’ve been enjoying the cards our wonderful Design Team has been sharing with you this week!  We thought we’d follow their lead and stick with the simple hybrid theme as we chose cards to share for this week’s Social Club post.

Today’s first card from leni4jjc is a perfect example of the “social” aspect we are proud to have enabled among our Hero Arts community over in the Flickr group.  Leni asked her Flickr friends from across the globe to share their Easter greetings in their native languages, and gathered them together to create the background for her card!  Such a great idea!  She also used the Botanical Tulips digi kit for her main image.  It all came together to create such a gorgeous card!

Next is a beauty from the super talented sally_sherfield.  She used the Vintage Skyland Birds kit to create a fun collage-style card.  Masculine cards can be so difficult for some of us, but she made it look easy!

And our final hybrid pick - a happy little card from Alby Laran.  This was her very first attempt at going digi - we think she’s a natural!  Love how she added the birdcage on top of dictionary text in Photoshop.

Thanks for sharing your wonderful creations in our Flickr pool, ladies!  Your work makes us smile everyday.

We have so much more to share with you today!  Can you believe today marks the last day of our 100 Days of Ideas series? 100 Days really goes by quickly doesn’t it?  We hope that you have enjoyed this marathon of ideas and inspiration. So that you can enjoy it even longer, we have compiled all of the ideas onto one inspiration-packed page — you can find it right HERE!

But of course the idea sharing is not over! Stay tuned for a new feature, Idea Friday, beginning next week! Each Friday we’ll bring you an extra dose of  stamping inspiration (in addition to the day’s blog project) to jump start your weekend creativity.

Now onto our final 100 Days card, crafted by Lisa Spangler. Check out how she stamped the apron on patterned paper… it makes it look just like fabric. What a fabulous idea!

Card by Lisa Spangler. For supplies and instructions click HERE.

How about another fabulous preview from our Artists Proofs supplement? Here’s a peek at the charming new “Variety and Quality” Cling stamp. It’s a fun one! Remember to mark your calendars for Monday, April 19, when the Artists Proofs digital catalog will be posted and the entire line will be available in the Hero Arts Online Store!

And finally, just a quick reminder about the Win a Day on the Hero Arts Blog Contest, where six lucky winners will each win their very own day on the blog!  Be sure to check out all of the details HERE.  We hope you’ll join in the fun and enter! We can’t wait to see what you come up with.

Thanks for stopping by today!  Tracy will be back tomorrow with another fabulous Design Team creation!

Lucy Abrams has created a simple hybrid card and video for today. The detail that Lucy added to this card is spectacular. The house from the Mi Casa stamp set is adorable dressed up with the pattern she created on it using the Screen Shadow stamp. She also added color to the trees using the Hero Arts Stamping Sponge…I would never have thought to do that and now it is on my “must try” list.  Thanks Lucy! On top of all this Lucy also has incorporated some digital background elements into the card.

Lucy shared a few words about her card:

“I love the happy summery feel of blue and green and, combined with polka dots and some gorgeous Hero Arts images, I thought they would make a perfect new home card. Polky Dots is one of the most versatile of the Hero Arts digi backgrounds - and I use it all the time. Whether printed onto coloured cardstock, or layered over digital paper, the results are always yummy.”

Card by Lucy Abrams. Click HERE for complete supplies and instructions.

For those new to digital, Shari created a video to explain using the Hero Arts Digital kits in Word. You can find that video HERE. You may want to also check out this Digital Made Easy video HERE.

Today, Lucy is taking digital a step further and will be providing some tips for the printing aspect of hybrid cards…including papers to use, inks and adding color with markers.

The 100 Days of Ideas card today was created by Lisa Spangler. Pop dots and foam adhesive are always at my side when I am scrapbooking or making cards. This card is an ideal example of the emphasis a little pop dot or foam adhesive can add to a card. Coupled with a different building in a different color…it is the perfect way to create a card that stands apart from others.

Card by Lisa Spangler. For supplies and instructions click HERE.

Today we’re excited to present the fourth of six previews from the new “Artists Proofs” supplement. These Wildflower Garden stamps are just one of 18 new Cling sets! Wood mounted and PolyCLEAR stamps are also included in this release. All Artists Proofs stamps will be available in the Hero Arts Online Store this Monday, April 19, 2010.

Remember that our month long theme is Home & Mother’s Day and the first round of projects are due into the Flickr group pool tomorrow (Thursday) evening, April 15th, by 11:59pm PST. Remember to tag your projects with April2010A. And to keep things simple, we have a handy calendar that explains all the important dates throughout the month - check it out HERE.

Enjoy your day!

Tuesday is here already!  As I mentioned yesterday, I am filling in for Kelly this week while she gets settled with her new bundle of joy however, Kelly will have a card to share with us on Friday.

Thanks for all the comments yesterday. I promise today’s post won’t be as long as the post yesterday.

Kandis Smith is inspiring us today on the blog with a simple hybrid card. I have had my eye on that little snail stamp in the Precious Baby Boy stamp set for some time and I totally smiled when I opened my email to see what Kandis had created with it. I especially like how Kandis stamped the snail and the greeting in a ArtPrint Brown ink instead of black. It really softens the look of it. She also shows how versatile a stamp or digital image can be by using a “friendship” definition on a baby card. I love it when I see people thinking outside the box and making good use of what they have on hand. On this card Kandis used the HA Friendship Definition Kit, which is available for FREE as a download exclusively at Two Peas in a Bucket.

Here are some comments from Kandis on her hybrid card for today:

“Even though my digital stamp was a friends definition, I was able to make a baby card with it by cutting off the friendship words. This created a small dictionary page look perfect for any card! The best part is you can print it on any color cardstock you want!”

Card by Kandis Smith.  For supplies and instructions click HERE.

Today’s 100 Days of Ideas card was created by Jennifer McGuire. Lately Jennifer has really inspired me with the color that she adds to her stamped images. However, on this “sweet” little card it is the cupcake that I love. Notice how she has a bite out of the cupcake…very clever! Like Lisa’s card yesterday, it is the little details that seem to jump out and inspire me.

Card by Jennifer McGuire.  For supplies and instructions click HERE.

Now, here’s the third preview from our upcoming “Artists Proofs” supplement. This vintage sewing pattern and dress form are part of a wonderful PolyCLEAR set — just one of ten new clear sets! Wood mounted stamps and Clings are also included in this release.

Lucy Abrams will be joining us on the blog tomorrow with a card and video.  Have a good day!

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a great weekend! I’ve got a lot to share this week, including new Artists Proofs previews. I am so excited to be giving Kelly a hand with the Designer Week.

This week on the blog the theme is simple hybrid! Cards and scrapbook pages will highlight combining Hero Arts digital kits with paper, ink, stamps and embellishments, showing the versatility and fun of digital. If you aren’t familiar with Hero Arts Digital, our kits are available for purchase exclusively at Two Peas in a Bucket.

Remember that our month long theme is Home & Mother’s Day and the first round of projects are due into the Flickr group pool Thursday evening, April 15th, by 11:59pm PST. Remember to tag your projects with April2010A. And to keep things simple, we have a handy calendar that explains all the important dates throughout the month - check it out HERE.

First up with some simple digital inspiration is Sheri Reguly. Sheri’s layout shows how easy it is to mix traditional and digital supplies to create a colorful page with unique, customized details.  Sheri used Hero Arts Digital kits to create the two tags and she also cleverly used a digital kit to create a perfectly sized stem for her daisy! Love it!

Here’s what Sheri had to say about her layout:

“Highlight a favorite photo by combining subtle stamped images, colorful daisies, and a few digital elements that help create a unique, personalized touch. Coordinating flowers, buttons and pearls, add a hint of dimension to complete this design.”

Layout by Sheri Reguly. Click HERE for supplies and instructions.

Lisa Spangler created the 100 Days of Ideas card for today. I often use white thread when machine stitching on my cards and layouts. However, seeing the yellow and green thread that Lisa used on her card reminds me to switch things up…this is the perfect little detail!

Card by Lisa Spangler.  For supplies and instructions click HERE.

We wanted to also share with you today a fabulous new color chart that shows all of the Hero Hues! It was created from actual paper scans, so it will provide you with the most accurate representation possible. (Remember that colors show up differently on different screens.) Click HERE or on the image below to download the full size Hero Hues color chart!

If you already own many of the Hero Hues notecards/layering papers and would like to fill in your own chart, we’ve put together a blank chart for you to do just that! This way you can simply cut or punch an actual piece of paper and adhere it to the chart. The blank chart can be found HERE.

We’ve also updated the product images in the store to reflect the true colors and packaging. You can find a sample HERE, and ALL Hero Hues products HERE!  The link to the color chart is provided in the description below each item too, so that when you’re shopping the comparison chart is easily accessible.

And finally, today we are excited to share beautiful Preview No. 2 of 6 from the “Artists Proofs” release…which are coming soon! All Artists Proofs stamps will be available in the Hero Arts Online Store this Monday, April 19, 2010.

Phew…that was a long post. See you tomorrow!

For your Sunday inspiration, our 100 Days of Ideas post features a group of happy and colorful birthday cards created by Sally using the Wonderful Birthday clear set.  Anyone would have a wonderful birthday if they received these sweet cards!

Cards by Sally Traidman. Click HERE for complete supplies and instructions.

And we’re excited today to kick off a week of previews from our Artists Proofs release! Here is Preview No. 1 of 6. This supplement is full of vintage and floral goodness…we can’t wait to share it all with you! All Artists Proof stamps will be available in the Hero Arts Online Store on Monday, April 19. Mark your calendars!

Thanks for stopping by today.  We’ll be back tomorrow to kick off a very special week with our Designer Team!

Happy Saturday!  I hope you’re enjoying your weekend, and finding time to get your fingers a little inky!  Today we have a 100 Days of Ideas card to share with you.  Sally reminds us that using different colors of Shadow Inks on your Stripes Pattern stamp creates a quick & fabulous background for your card.

Card by Sally Traidman.  Click HERE for complete supplies and instructions.

Happy Stamping!

Hi everyone, I’m sad this is the last day of my fun folds week with you.  BUT, I’ve got some extra special goodies for you today. I’ve got cards, a download, plus a fantastic giveaway! So much to share… let’s get to it.

From the moment I saw the new Flourish Grid (CL425) from the Artists Proof Supplement, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it. Today I bring you the Gate-fold card… and it’s truly a gate. This is my Secret Garden Gate card. The background for today is a digital piece I made in Photoshop using the Hero Arts Flowers Digital kit. So yummy!!!

Open to reveal the flowers and message hidden inside.

Here’s a little close up of the inside.

Card by Shari Carroll, click HERE for full supply list and instructions.

Would you like a copy of the digital piece I created? I’ve put together a PDF for you to use with your acetate cards. To download, click HERE.

Now it’s time for a giveaway… are you ready?  I have in my hands… one set of all three Hero Arts Digital kit CD’s. Just leave me a message by Saturday, April 10th at 11:59pm PST.  I’ll pick one lucky winner to receive the set, and will announce the winner on Sunday. Good Luck!  Edited to say: This giveaway has been award, Thank you.

And finally we have our 100 Days of Ideas made by ME! I’ve used the CG146 Flowing Flowers and Leaves with Distress inks and a bit of water for a watercolor effect.

Cards by Shari Carroll, click HERE for complete instructions and supplies.

Thanks everyone, I’ve had a great time sharing my ideas with you this week. Remember, the challenge for the month of April is Home and Mothers Day. There is still plenty of time to enter your projects. Check HERE for complete details.

Enjoy!

March is over and the decision has been made - you all completely rock the Flickr group!!  The submissions for the March contest were many, and marvelous!  We were already wowed during the first half of the month (HERE) but you all just kept crankin’ out the hits right up until the deadline (HERE).  You make these winner posts exceptionally challenging to write, I hope you realize…  But after considerable time spent pouring over the entries, we have reached a verdict… drumroll, please…

We’ll start with something colorful and gorgeous to put a smile on your face - our Digital category winner from Tina (julmat).  How can you help but feel happy when looking at a rainbow of butterflies finished off with a perfectly tied bow?

This sweet card from Kat B ‘Messy Mare’ is our Fresh Face winner!  Kat says she’s been lurking on Flickr for a while now and finally got up the nerve to post with this card.  Well we’re certainly glad she did, the card is a pure delight, right down to it’s fun hexagonal shape!

And speaking of fun shapes, Pocketful of Paper (Julie) is the first of our Fab Five winners with this fantastically unique shaped card!  Just like our Digital and Fresh Face winners, Julie and every member of the Fab Five will receive a $50 Hero Arts shopping spree.  Julie devoted quite a bit of time to scoring and folding this card, but her efforts were certainly worth it, the card is wonderful!

Our next Fab Five winner is a complete stunner!  Here’s the outside of the card by natashakara - a dark wintery scene…

…then open up the card, and “winter turns to spring”.  Absolutely fabulous!!

Our third winner was created by heather maria during the first half of the month.  See - we do indeed keep some favorites bookmarked, so if you want more chances to win, play earlier in the month!  Isn’t Heather’s card fantastic?  She created it during Sally’s blog week, when she was encouraging us to “make it work” - Heather used the oval from the bunny’s tummy for the eggs!  And that second bunny peeking out from behind the tree - hee hee, too cute!!

Here’s another one that made us squeal just a bit - this adorable creation from Sanne-Denmark!  Those bunnies are stamped on cork!!  What fun!

And finally, we’ll wrap it up with another spring beauty, this time from Jacqueline.fr.  Butterflies flitting around in a meadow - a happy day, indeed!

Congratulations to all the winners!!  Please contact us at winner@heroarts.com with your address and phone number, and also include your list of $50 worth of product!  You can look through our store HERE to create your list.  Please include “March2010B Winner” in the subject line.

Our theme for April is Home and Mother’s Day - we hope you’ll play along with the monthly contest!  You just never know, you may be like Kat and win on your first attempt!  You can find all of the April contest details HERE.

Now let’s take a peek and see what our wonderful Hero Hostesses have been up to…

Click on any circle for a full view!
Cards by Vera Rhuhay, Sue McRae, Suzanne Czosek, Linda Metteer, Jill Foster, Arlene McClung.

And our day would not be complete without a 100 Days of Ideas card!  We love how Shari combined patterned paper and stamping on this adorable card.

Card by Shari Carroll.  Click HERE for complete supplies and instructions.

Thanks for stopping by today, we hope you’re as inspired by the March winners as we are!

Happy Stamping,

Hi Everyone!

I’m so excited to bring to you what I call a box card.  It starts out as your average notecard, but it ends up being SOOO interesting.  So how about that awesome flower.  It’s new from the Artists Proof Supplement, CL431 Watercolor Petals, so yummy!  I think I may have used all of my favorite Hero Arts things… Stamps, inks, pearls, style, this card is ME!!!

Here’s a peek at the detail of the butterfly, I used heavy quilting thread for the antennae…this time I added little knots at the ends.

Card by Shari Carroll.  Click HERE for supplies and more details.

Today’s 100 Days of Ideas come to you from ME!   The Silhouette Grass is another one of my beloved images.  It’s so versatile, elegant and can be used for all occasions. This time I’ve used it on acetate.

Card by Shari Carroll, click HERE for supplies and instructions.

Don’t forget the theme of the month is Home and Mother’s Day, if you’re just tuning in, click the banner above for complete details and calendar. 

Before I go,  I’ve got a quick important announcement…Congratulations to our lucky April $100 Wish List Shopping Spree winner, Janet Wilson, who won with her March 8 comment! For a chance to win next month’s $100 shopping spree, simply comment here on the blog throughout the month of April. Each comment you leave gives you a chance at the prize!

Enjoy your day!

Welcome back everyone!

Today’s card is an example of one called an Easel card, I’ve seen a few examples of it in the Flickr Group Pool by Carole-ish and Cathy.  I’ve used the Artistic Grape set as I’m thinking about entertaining friends outdoors with this nice warm weather we’re having. This card would make a perfect invitation and fits into the theme of the month for “Home”.

The large background I chose for this card is my favorite Flourish Background because it reminds me of the spirals that appear on grape vines.  Just a quick clear embossing on color cardstock to add a bit of texture. Do you see a new stamp on here? Check out the Made with Love, it’s part of a message set called So Artsy.

Card by Shari Carroll, Click HERE for complete card instructions and supplies.

The card folds flat and can be mailed in a padded envelope (to protect your precious work).

Today’s 100 days of Ideas comes from Sally Traidman. I love how she used only a portion of the Horizontal Lines and thought to use them vertically. She thinks of everything, just amazing!!!

Card by Sally Traidman. Click HERE for complete card instructions and supplies.

I hope this has given you more ideas for your Home and Mothers Day Challenge projects.  I’ll be back tomorrow with a very special card, using one of my favorite styles, a sneak of some new stamps along with a video.

Enjoy!